Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seto's Wish Alternate World Conclusion ❯ C19 Heart to Heart ( Chapter 19 )

 

C19 Heart to Heart

 

Kaiba appeared in the mansion once again. It appeared to be night, and all was quiet. Kaiba was in what was supposed to be one of the experiment rooms in the mansion. But instead, the room was revamped to look like an old hospital room. That alone was creepy.

 

As he stepped out of the room and moved across the house, he continued to have this eerie feeling as if someone was watching him. He tried to shake it off, but kept alert incase he ran into a situation while the house was perhaps being robbed.

 

After turning the next hallway, Kaiba stopped immediately to notice something familiar. Though it wasn't in the same room as the last dimension, once again he found himself staring at a large portrait of himself on the wall.

 

Kaiba himself knew he would never toss a picture of himself on a wall like that.......it made him feel too much like Gozaburo. But from his experiences in the various dimensions so far, he was easily starting to see a pattern.....and he didn't like it one bit.

 

“Shit.” he muttered sourly at the picture, realizing this meant he was yet again probably dead, somehow. But was it because he was murdered, or was it because Mokuba became ill? He was hoping it was the first.....he was really hoping it was the first. He hated the idea that so many dimensions would show Mokuba getting ill and dying. After all......if that's the case, then what's that mean for `his' world? Was Mokuba destined to die?

 

Well, one way for him to tell what world this was like was to find out if he still existed in this world. Thinking about the dimension where he was a computer, he remembered he had full control of all the computer systems there......from business, to security. With that in mind, Kaiba glanced over at the nearest camera to see if it was looking his way. Sure enough......the camera was pointing right at him.

 

`Well......that explains the strange feeling of being watched.' he thought. Kaiba then turned and moved a bit, noticing the obvious movement of the camera that kept angled in his direction.

 

Kaiba stopped, crossed his arms, and smirked. “Maybe I should find the nearest computer system.” he thought out loud, deciding the best way to get information with this possible other version of `him' would be through the computer.

 

“If you think that's going to deactivate the security system.....I'm afraid you're highly mistaken.” a voice said from behind him, which sounded just like him.....and obviously this other him misunderstood Kaiba's intentions on the computer.

 

Kaiba whirled around, not expecting to hear a voice directly behind him......but found no one there. “Where are you?” Kaiba asked, and then angrily snapped. “Show yourself!”

 

“Keep it down!” computer Kaiba snapped back, as he materialized in thin air, which looked like small pixelized pieces coming together before him. “If you wake my brother, I `will' make you pay!”

 

Kaiba was amazed. It was clearly a holographic form of himself, that simply appeared right in mid-air. How did he do it? Where's the projectors that made it happen?? He was too intrigued by this modification of himself to care about anything else at the moment, and approached.....bringing his hand up to make contact with the image.

 

Computer Kaiba didn't seem to have a problem with it. If anything, he reacted to this other Kaiba by the see-through parts of him seeming to solidify even more before his eyes. And as it did, so did the hologram itself.....becoming a solid image.

 

Kaiba made contact to the solid image of himself......it was even warm to the touch. Not warm like a human body, but warm like a luke-warm electronic heating element. He then paused, looking into the other Kaiba's eyes to view his reaction to all this.

 

Computer Kaiba crossed his arms, and narrowed his eyes. He did not look amused.

 

Kaiba then stepped back, mimicking the arm mannerisms, as he offered this hologram a smirk. “So, he did it. In this world, Mokuba succeeded in creating solid holograms. Is he making a deal with the movie industry, as well?”

 

“Movie Industry? Why would he do that?” CKaiba asked.

 

Kaiba nodded. “I see. So, what does he use this technology for?”

 

“For the moment, he uses it for me.” CKaiba said. He eyed this Kaiba curiously, adding, “You're not very surprised by my appearance. And from what I can tell.......you appear to be me. You can't be a break-in, either. I saw you appear out of nowhere. Who and what `are' you?”

 

“You probably figured this much out, by now.......I'm you.” Kaiba answered. He then took a moment to once again explain himself and the box, and why he was traveling world to world.

 

“So, what's your story?” Kaiba asked. “I've all ready been in a world similar to this one. Mokuba was dying, and you sacrificed yourself for him.”

 

At that thought, Kaiba lowered his head. “Don't tell me that Mokuba looks like you, as well.....”

 

“Why would he look like me?” CKaiba asked.

 

“Then, what happened? Why are you in a machine?” Kaiba asked. “You.......'are' part of the machine, aren't you?”

 

CKaiba hesitated, not liking the similarity of the basics thrown back at him from another dimension. This was happening to Mokuba more then this world?? It was hard enough dealing with what happened to Mokuba here. “Your story is actually closer than I'd like to admit. Mokuba was sick, but the doctors were able to narrow down the source of this illness. His heart was being attacked and was dying because of it. If they could get a heart transplant, they could save him. Unfortunately, there was no one we could find that was compatible......”

 

“.....except for one.” Kaiba finished, understanding perfectly. “So, at least he's still himself. But aren't heart transplants risky?”

 

“Not in this day and age.....at least not in my world; and especially not if he could find one as compatible as the two of us were.” CKaiba answered. “So, who is this Aiko? To create such a device that can travel various dimensions, she must be one of your top techs.”

 

Kaiba looked away, refusing to accept the concept of magic. “No, she's not. I never asked her where she got it from.” he answered. “It does its job, but it's not very well controlled. You have to keep changing the pattern to reach another world. It certainly could have been designed better.....but it's all she could offer.”

 

CKaiba suddenly turned abruptly, saying, “He's up......”

 

“Who, Mokuba?” Kaiba asked. “Good. Since he's up....I'll talk to him, as well.”

 

“The hell you will.” CKaiba snapped. “He's had a difficult enough time dealing with never being able to have a brother again. Do you think he needs someone like you to remind him of what he's lost? Get out of here, quick! Go in there!” CKaiba pointed.

 

“I'm not going anywhere!” Kaiba snapped. “After what Mokuba's all ready been through, I doubt a little visit from another version of him is going to hurt him any.”

 

CKaiba glared dangerously at Kaiba, as the automatic door behind him opened and the computer version of himself extended his hand. “You're not going to upset him. And if you can't understand that, then that's your problem.”

 

Kaiba cried out, as a jolt of electricity shot through him....launching him through the recently opened door. But CKaiba miscalculated, and it wasn't enough to send him all the way through the door. Kaiba instead landed in-between.....keeping the door from closing.

 

“Seto, what are you......??” Mokuba asked, as he came around the corner, hearing the strange combination of electricity crackling and somebody crying out. He immediately began to worry that a robber broke-in. But was surprised when the intruder sat up and it was.......his brother??

 

Mokuba asked curiously, “Are you doubling yourself again, or is that some impersonator? If that's you, you really gotta stop fighting with yourself so much.”

 

Still recovering from the sudden electric jolt, Kaiba looked over to see Mokuba. He was just about as young as his Mokuba......a couple years older. He also seemed to have finally gotten that haircut Kaiba's wanted to give him. But otherwise, he'd say he looks just the same.

 

“Yes.......he's obviously an impersonator. Don't worry about it, Mokuba.....I'll take care of the intruder.” CKaiba said.

 

“Impersonator??” Kaiba snarled, now recovered enough to stand and argue with his computer self. “Who the hell are you calling an impersonator??” Kaiba then threatened, “And you hit me with one more of those electric attacks again, and maybe I'll decide to seek out your wiring and find out how well you can handle a power-outage.”

 

CKaiba's eyes narrowed, snapping back, “Just try it....I dare you. You wouldn't make it two feet.”

 

During this time, Mokuba was watching these two argue with each other, and realization suddenly hit him. “Wait a minute, you're...you're really Seto!!” Mokuba said, pointing at Kaiba. He couldn't believe it, but there was no other explanation. `No one' could impersonate his brother like that! “But.... how??”

 

Kaiba gave the hologram one last glare, then turned back to face Mokuba. “Mokuba...I hope I didn't upset you.” he said in the gentle tone he normally used for his brother. “I'm not from this world.”

 

Though it was annoying for Kaiba to realize once again he was going to have to explain himself, for Mokuba he was ready to say what he had to. “Listen.....to make a long version short, I have a device that let's me jump into other realities. I'm trying to get back home and this isn't it.” No.....it wasn't home he was trying to reach, but it was a lot easier to explain than trying to save yet another version of Mokuba.

 

But instead of appearing upset like CKaiba feared, Mokuba instead smiled, saying, “Wow, really? You're from another world?? That's great! That means, that means...”

 

Mokuba's smiling face remained smiling yet had kind of a sad look to it, too. “That means, even though you're not the Seto I know, you're still somewhere out there where Seto is still himself. That's good to know.”

 

With Mokuba's words, the gears began to turn in CKaiba's head, as an idea came to mind. He then turned and sneered coldly at Kaiba, muttering, “But, who's to say it has to stay that way?”

 

Kaiba's eyes widened instantly from the comment, taking a step back. His hands were slowly moving towards his pocket where the Aiko's box was.

 

“Seto?” Mokuba asked, not understanding.

 

“Why simply settle for being what I am now? Maybe while you're here......I should give you the tour of just what I am capable of doing, now.” CKaiba hissed.

 

Before Kaiba could grab for the item and get the hell out of there, CKaiba's holographic image vanished and the essence of the computer instantly attacked Kaiba's mind.

 

Kaiba cried out in agony, as he struggled to stay in control. Both versions equally dominant and ready to fight to the end for control over the body. Kaiba slumped to his knees, as the battle of his mind continued.

 

As this continued......somewhere in the distance they heard Mokuba's cries. “Stop it! Seto, stop it!!”

 

`You heard him. This is `my' body! Get out!' Kaiba told him.

 

CKaiba told him, `Mokuba hasn't seen his own brother as anything but a machine for the last few years. Don't you think he'd like to see that? Give me a few minutes with him...something I haven't been able to have for too long, now. I'm not asking for much...just a few minutes. Give me this, and then we'll swap back.'

 

`You invaded my mind trying to forcibly take my body from me, and you think I should trust you??' Kaiba asked.

 

`But, I'm you. Shouldn't you trust me?' CKaiba asked.

 

Kaiba retorted. `Obviously, you've been this way for far too long. What makes you think I've `ever' trusted myself?'

 

`Good point. But think about it this way.....where could I possibly go? If I don't give this body back, you'll learn enough about the computer soon enough to easily attack me back. And I would never use the device to leave, and you know why. Even if I can run into a thousand other Mokuba's in whatever worlds you have traveled, they would never be able to replace my own. I could never leave him. So, I promise...I will give it back. All I ask is a few minutes with him, to feel myself being able to embrace him again just one more time.'

 

It almost sounded like pleading. Kaiba could relate the desperation this other one probably felt inside the machine for so long. Of course, Kaiba did not believe in pity, hand-outs, or favors. But he did believe in pleasing Mokuba. And CKaiba was right.....Mokuba would probably love to have one more chance to come in contact with his other brother again. The least he could do is give him that.

 

Mokuba watched as Kaiba struggled with himself on the ground, while pleading for his brother to stop fighting with him. A moment later......he finally stopped. Kaiba took a few breaths, and slowly stood back up.

 

“S-Seto? W-which one are you?” Mokuba asked.

 

Kaiba turned and smiled, facing Mokuba. “Mokuba...” He whispered. Mokuba could tell instantly which one it was from the emotion in his eyes, filling with such joy to be there for him. CKaiba hugged Mokuba for the first time in years. Tears streamed down his eyes.....unable to contain it, as he said hoarsely, “It's so good to feel you again...”

 

From a distance, Kaiba slowly materialized in holographic form. He watched the sight before him, and decided that letting go of his own humanity - even for a few minutes, was the right decision. He only hoped he wasn't going to regret it.....he knew himself and still didn't trust him as far as he could throw him. He was certain that if CKaiba could figure out a way to steal his body and stay in the same dimension, he'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

But, at the same time.....Kaiba was also quite fascinated with his mental connections to the computer. Never actually experiencing this before, he could sense himself connected to literally everything around him. He was able to materialize anywhere in the house, which had electronic pads in both the floors and ceiling of the entire house. He was in contact with every file, every camera, every building from Japan to America. It was like his mind had been expanded to an unlimited space, while his physical form was the cost for his mental freedoms. Kaiba was one who was normally drawn to power, and the sensation of all this knowledge being thruster into his head made quite a rush. But the lack of feeling made such a terrible emptiness on a person.....he couldn't imagine being this way for as long as any version of himself has been.

 

But being logically minded, his mind immediately reached the access of their real holographic technology. It could always come in handy in the future, afterall. And that wasn't the only thing he came in contact with. He found out why that one room was turned to look like a hospital room. It was where they both made the necessary heart transfers....in the privacy of their home, where no one would find out what they did. And no one knew of Mokuba's heart condition.....simply that Kaiba was killed from a shooter. Talk about a cover-up.

 

While.....CKaiba just held onto his brother, as Mokuba held him back tightly. “Seto, it's so good to be with you again. I couldn't imagine ever being able to do this with you, anymore.” He tried not to think about the other Kaiba for the moment. But since the other wasn't fighting back, he could assume an agreement must have taken place. No way would any version of his brother ever back down so easily, otherwise.

 

“I could stay here forever.” CKaiba said. “I don't ever want this to end...”

 

“Well, don't get `too' comfortable......you agreed this would only be temporary.” Kaiba muttered.

 

Mokuba pulled away, looking at the holographic form. He then looked at his brother, and smiled. “I figured you two had to agree on something. No way could the fight be over this quick, otherwise.”

 

“You just better still keep your word.” Kaiba added. “Just remember......I'm a fast learner. And I think I all ready know how to attack you, if you decided to re-nig on your agreement.”

 

“I don't break my promises.” CKaiba snapped. He was also sure this other Kaiba was just itching to fry him and get even for that little electrical jolt, earlier. But he knew he'd never do that with Mokuba present......and especially so near.

 

CKaiba looked back down at Mokuba, saying, “I suppose we'll just have to settle with this moment we had.”

 

“It's more than either of us could have hoped for.” Mokuba said to his brother, sadly.

 

Kaiba sadly looked down at Mokuba, dreading the idea of disappointing any version of him. “I'm sorry.” he said to him. “Unfortunately, there's nothing more I can offer you.”

 

“Hey!” Mokuba said, suddenly lightening up. “You once told me that you could never share my body, because you were afraid you'd live my life. But what about you two sharing `your' body! You're both the same person!”

 

Both Kaiba's smiled at Mokuba, who was trying so hard. But at the same time, they also both understood it was not possible. “You have to realize that wouldn't work.” CKaiba said to his brother. “He's not from this world......and I couldn't expect him to abandon his Mokuba for you. And then I'd be responsible for making another version of you suffer because of my own selfishness. I wouldn't do that as much as I wouldn't leave you behind to be with his brother.”

 

Mokuba nodded. “Yeah.....I guess you're right. I never really thought about that before.”

 

“No offense......but it's time.” Kaiba stated.

 

CKaiba hugged Mokuba one more time, then turned and faced the pixilated image of himself. “Do what you have to. I'm ready.”

 

The image merged with the true form of Kaiba......and in mere moments, both consciences transferred once again. Kaiba was pleased to see there was no resistance from the other, as he once again was in his body. The few moments were maybe fun......but it's something he'd never want to do for very long. Especially not for all eternity.

 

Now back in his own body, Kaiba moved down and offered his own hug to Mokuba. Mokuba said, “Thanks Seto.....for letting me say hello to my own brother again. It was good to do.”

 

“Not a problem.” Kaiba said. He let him go and stood, once again facing the computer image of himself.

 

CKaiba said, “Before you leave.......I was curious just how many times you ran into this. You mentioned one world.....but you also mentioned that we completed the solid holographics here, as well.”

 

“If you included this world......twice. The world that included the solid imagining, I was murdered in that world from a shooter that took my life....and it wasn't a cover-up, either. But, Mokuba was fine in that universe.” Kaiba answered.

 

CKaiba nodded, “Well, that's good.”

 

“No, it's not! You were murdered!!” Mokuba exclaimed.

 

They both looked at Mokuba blankly; neither of them contemplating their own lives.......simply how it would affect Mokuba's. But neither acknowledged Mokuba's comment, feeling as long as he was okay in that world, everything was fine.

 

CKaiba added, “I'm simply saying it sounds like there might be a pattern forming. Just keep a careful watch on your brother, if he starts to get sick. When you became part of the computer for those few minutes, you should have been able to tap into all the files.....including Mokuba's medical records. So, I'm sure you'll know what to best look out for, if this happens to your world.”

 

Kaiba looked away, hating having this version tell him what he was all ready beginning to suspect, himself. “He's......all ready been sick.”

  

“What? Is he all right? You didn't leave him like that, did you??” CKaiba asked in great concern.

 

Kaiba answered, “He's fine......Aiko took care of it.”

 

“Aiko again? So, she's a doctor with technical knowledge, now?” CKaiba asked, suspicious.

 

“Listen......I don't want to get into it. All you need to know is that he's fine, now. That's all that matters.” Kaiba said.

 

“Oooh! Is she magical or something?” Mokuba suddenly blurted out, beginning to suspect. Why else would his brother act so uneasy about answering, after all??

 

“.......or something.” Kaiba quietly muttered to himself, still acting very uneasy about the subject.

 

CKaiba commented, “Mokuba.......you know there's no such thing. Don't be ridiculous.” He then turned to eye Kaiba, wondering what the secret was to this miracle cure. But after his comment to Mokuba, he too finally noticed this Kaiba was strangely quiet. He then eyed the strange cube in Kaiba's hand to see it looked more like jewelry. More like......more like something you'd see Yugi wearing. That's when CKaiba decided it was probably something he didn't really want to know about.

 

“I should get going.” Kaiba said.

 

CKaiba nodded, saying nothing more.

 

“Bye, Seto! Maybe you can stop back, sometime! We'd be happy to have you!” Mokuba said.

 

“See ya, kiddo.” Kaiba smiled down at him. Then with a change in the box's shape, Kaiba was gone again.